Contract help!!!! Need fast help!?

Question

have a bride who wants to cancel her full service coordination package. She's pregnant and now wants a rushed super small wedding. She still wants me to make her a bouquet and find a small chapel for her to get married in. But she no longer needs centerpieces and day-of coordination. My problem is that her contract states:

In the event of cancellation, client agrees to pay a percentage of the fees as stated below

Deposit non-refundable

Payments made toward balance non-refundable

50% of total balance if services are cancelled within 90 days of signing this contract.

50% of remaining balance if services are cancelled within 90 days of the wedding.

My problem is its within the 90 days of signing the contract AND 90 days prior to wedding date. Her total fee was 1600, she is paying in monthly payments and has paid 760 far. She either owes $40 or $420! Major difference! Help Quick!!!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Tough one. 

If the bride has been an utter pill from beginning to end and you're feeling screwed or deliberately taken advantage of, pursue the full amount. 

In the interest of your reputation, I'd advise letting her off with paying only the remaining $40 and wishing her a healthy baby. Tell her she owes you some handing-out of your business cards. :) Not to say that you're some kind of doormat or anything, only that under the circumstances, holding out for the $420 is going to make you look like a jerk to everyone she and her family want to tell if she really had planned all this in good faith she would see it through and then circumstances changed and now she's stuck. 

Every now and again you have to eat opportunity costs like this, and over the long run it's worth it to your reputation as a planner with a heart. As long as you aren't *out* money, you should be able to do this.

TheRockLady · Answer

I can't answer to legal part but opinion as a small business is this: she is willing to give you the remaining services. She has already paid half the fees in good faith. Have you "lost" anything by her cancellation such as materials or other deposits that you made?  Could this person be a good reference for you for future work?  My first concern would be MY out-of-pocket expenses (minimum fee). THEN, good faith aspect - better to make less on a happy client than make more on an unhappy client with a big mouth.  Remember this is an extremely emotional time for the bride and she expects everyone to "understand" her situation and help her out. Consider making it a condition that she must give you at least 2 referrals and you will refund deposit etc.  Small business relies on word of mouth - your reputation will outlast the stupid deposit....

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Contract help!!!! Need fast help!?

2 Answers